Klitschko against Chisora Fight Canceled, Haye may be next

Wladimir Klitschko’s boxing adviser says the Ukrainian has withdrawn from his WBO and IBF heavyweight title defense against British challenger Dereck Chisora because of a back injury.

Shelley Finkel explained that Klitschko had torn a muscle in his back. The injury isn’t serious, he said, but forced the cancellation of Saturday’s bout, which was scheduled to be held in Mannheim, Germany.

According to Finkel, Klitschko “should be able to fight again within 60 days.”

Talks are now expected between the fighters’ representatives over rescheduling the fight.

There is a possibility the cancellation may aid the holding of a long anticipated encounter between Klitschko and David Haye.

“I have spoken to Shelley Finkel and if we can make a Klitschko fight with David Haye we will do that next and if not Wladimir will revert back to fighting Chisora,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.

Reuters

The world heavyweight fight between IBF, IBO and WBO champion Vladimir Klitschko and Briton Dereck Chisora on Saturday has been called off after the Ukrainian was injured in training on Wednesday.

“The fight has been called off. Klitschko has sustained a torn stomach muscle injury in training on Wednesday afternoon according to the first diagnosis,” the Ukrainian’s management said on his official website.